"Soon after the consolidation of the Heptarchy
into a monarchy under Egbert, we find that Derby was made a royal
borough. The privileges which it enjoyed by charter in these early
times must have been very great : as, in the reign of Edward the
Confessor,[1] (1040)
[sic] Derby contained 243 burgesses or freemen; possessed
of property equal to many thousands in our times. Forty-one burgesses
had twelve plough-gates of land belonging to the borough divided
among them; besides this, they held twelve plough-gates (as
much land as twelve teams usually ploughed in the year,) of their
own.
The meadow ground was divided into doles and the tillage by meers.
The freemen held land by a kind of copyhold right: the King,
the Earl and the church being the chief proprietors. The annual
rent paid by the borough to crown, was of twenty-four pounds. At
this time, there were fourteen corn-mills in the town, Two parts
of the profits arising from tax, tolls, forfeitures, and customs,
belonged to the King, and the third to the Earl".

Derby
after 1066

"At the time of the Norman-survey, Derby
was much reduced. It could boast of no more than a hundred burgesses,
and forty were minors. The fourteen corn mills were reduced to
ten ; and there were a hundred and twenty three dwellings waste
and empty. This unprosperous state was occasioned, no doubt, by
the change of government ; and by the loss of lives, in the endeavour
to support Harold against the Norwegian and Norman monarchs.
[There follows a brief description of events leading up to the Battle
of Hastings[2]]

Harold being slain in this decisive battle, William took possession
of the English throne[1],
by a pretended destination of king Edward, and an irregular election
of the people; while, in reality, he ascended it by the right of
conquest. The conqueror, in order to establish himself firmly in
the public interest, had promised his daughter in marriage to Edwin
Earl of Mercia; but when that nobleman claimed the fulfilment of
his promise, William gave him an absolute denial. This disappointment,
added to many other reasons of disgust, induced Edwin to concur
with several others of his incensed countrymen, to make a general
effort for the recovery of their ancient liberties. But the king,
supported by many powerful leaders, advanced with celerity into
the North, and came upon the rebels before they were in a condition
to make resistance; and finding no other means of safety, they
had recourse to the clemency of the victor. The property of the
Mercian Earl was confiscated; and Derby, with a considerable rent-roll,
was given to William Peverel, a Norman captain, and the illegitimate
son of William the Conqueror. In order to encourage industry and
to increase the population, the new possessor augmented the privileges
of Derby by a new charter. But the annual rent was raised from £24
to £30; and 12 thraves, or about eighteen bushels of corn;
and as an equivalent for the surcharge, the hamlet of Litchurch,
was added to the town.

Henry I.[1] by a charter
signed at the Devizes, granted the town of Derby to Ralph Earl
of Chester. But Mr. Hutton is of opinion, that this grant extended
not beyond the minority of one of the Peverels. In the reign of
this prince, Derby was made a corporate town. The charter by which
this was done, was altered and improved by Henry II.; and renewed
and enlarged by Richard I. and John. In the beginning of the reign
of the latter, the corporation and burgesses were sued in the Court
of Exchequer, for sixty-six marks which they owed for rent and
the confirmation of their liberties: and in the sixth of the same
reign, they were sued for sixty marks, and two palfreys for rent,
and ten pounds for services : and having such a charter as the
burgesses of the town of Nottingham: and again in the twelfth year
of the same reign, the burgesses of Derby were charged forty pounds,
for the fee-farm of the town.

In the reign of Henry II[1] a
power was granted to the burgesses of Derby and their heirs, of
not permitting a Jew to live in the town.

Edward III.[1] in the
beginning of his reign deprived the corporation of their liberties
and summoned the burgesses to answer at the King's Court, "By
what authority they took a toll and paid none? Why they claimed
the exclusive privilege of dying cloth, and prohibiting it in every
place within thirty miles, except Nottingham ? By what right they
had to be toll-free throughout the king's dominions; to choose
a bailiff every year; and to have a fair on Friday in Whitsun-week,
another at the festival of St. James, which continued seventeen
days? What right they had to a coroner ; and not to be sued out
of their own borough? And by what authority they held markets on
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and from Thursday-eve to Friday, every
week?"

To shew that they were justified in their proceedings, the burgesses
produced the charters they had received from their different monarchs
: and for the privilege of toll, laid before him, one which he
himself had granted them in the first year of his reign. Upon this
he was convinced of the justice of their cause; and, on their consenting
to pay a fine of forty marks, restored to them the enjoyment of
those liberties which he had so unjustly questioned and seized:
and when they had promised, to pay a yearly rent of £46 16s, he
established them in, their rights, enjoyed by their ancestors from
time immemorial.

James I. by a charter dated at Westminster, the seventh of March,
in the ninth year of his reign, (1611) recapitulates and confirms
many of the privileges which had been granted in former reigns
; and further grants,-"that the Bailiffs, Recorder and Town
Clerk, or any three of them, shall have a power to keep a Court
of Record upon Tuesday in every second week; shall be Justices
of peace for the year, and the year ensuing their election to the
office of bailiffs; shall have the return of all writs, and process,
without the interference of any foreign justice; shall have a power
to keep Quarterly Sessions, two Court Leets, and six Fairs yearly;
shall be toll-free throughout the whole kingdom, and take toll
and tillage from all, except the Duchy of Lancaster, which shall
pay but half."

In 1638, Charles I. authorised, that the power of the bailiffs
should in future, be vested in one person, who was to be chosen
annually, and called a Mayor. At that time there were two bailiffs;
and it was agreed, that one of them should enjoy the new honour
for the first year, and the other succeed him: but the successor
dying before his mayoralty commenced, the first mayor continued
in office for two years.

But this charter was surrendered to Charles II. in the year 1680,
and the present one obtained at the expence of nearly £400. The
corporation consists of a Mayor, nine Aldermen, fourteen Brethren,
fourteen Common Council Men, a Recorder, a High Steward; a Town
Clerk, and six Constables.

The borough of Derby sends two Members to Parliament; the right
of whose election is vested in the freemen and sworn burgesses;
and the mayor is the returning officer. It is impossible to ascertain,
when the borough was first represented in Parliament: the perfect
list of representatives commences, with the twenty-third Parliament
of Edward I. in the year 1294.

A Court of Requests is held every third Tuesday at the Guildhall.
It was erected in the year 1766. The principal inhabitants of the
town are commissioners, three of whom constitute a bench, under
the direction of a clerk.

William, after his subjection of England, was sensible that the
want of fortified places had greatly facilitated his conquest,
and might at any time facilitate his expulsion. He therefore made
all possible haste to remedy the defect, by building magnificent
and strong castles in all the towns. "William," says
Matthew Paris, - "exceeded all his predecessors, in building
castles, and greatly harassed his subjects and vassals with these
works." In this reign, or in the reign of Stephen in the subsequent
century, "when everyone that was able built a castle, and
the whole kingdom was covered with them, probably was erected the
Castle at Derby. "On the south-east corner of the town," says
Mr. Gibson. "stood formerly a Castle; though there have been
no remains of it within the memory of man. But that there was one,
appears from the name of the hill, called Cow-castle-hill ; and
the street that leads West from St. Peter's church, in ancient
deeds bearing the name of Castle-gate." Mr. Hutton, however, nineteen years ago, with the acknowledged
enthusiasm of an Antiquary, and the indefatigable zeal of "an
old castle-hunter," discovered the vestiges of this castle
in an orchard on the summit of the hill. One of the mounds eighty
yards long, runs parallel with the houses upon Cock-pit-hill, perhaps
one hundred yards behind them; also parallel; with those in St.
Peter's parish, but twice the distance. This place of security,
then stood out of the town in an open field; no houses were near
it. It was guarded by the Derwent on one side, and on the other
ran the London road. This I apprehend was the chief approach, because
the passage afterwards bore the name of Castle-street. From
thence also the fields towards the East acquired the name of Castle-fields." This
author is of opinion, that the Derby Castle was destroyed during
the civil wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster; which
is not at all improbable".

Early Religious Houses

"We are informed by ancient authors, that
there were six religious houses in the town of Derby. Several of
these were in existence at the suppression of the orders by Henry
VIII[1]; but some of
them had previously decayed.

The Monastery of St. Helens, belonging to the order of
Austin Friars, was situated on the spot, where the Spar Manufactory
belonging to Messrs. Brown and Son now stands, near the upper end
of Bridge-gate. It was erected in the reign of king Stephen, by
Robert de Ferrieres, second Earl of Derby. He placed an Abbot and
Canons in it; and for their support, gave them the Churches of
Crich and Uttoxeter the tithe of his revenue in the town of Derby,
the third part of a meadow lying on the side of Oddebroc, between
Derby and Markeaton, land in Aldwerk and Osmaston, and as much
wood as they could draw with one cart from Duffield or Chaddesden.
But early in the reign of Henry II. Hugh the Dean of Derby, gave
all his lands in Derby and Derley, with the patronage of St. Peters
to Albin, then Abbot of St. Helens, upon condition of his building
an Abbey at Derley. This proposition was accepted : and the Abbot
and Canons quitted the noise and bustle of a town, for the more
pleasant and peaceful banks of the Derwent, St. Helens, however,
continued a religious house some time longer; for in the twentieth
of Edward I[1], a Magister
Domus S. Helenæ Derbeæ, is mentioned, as distinct
from the Abbot of Derley.

On the north-west side of Nun's-green, in the meadow that was
called Nun's-Close, stood a priory of Benedictine Nuns,
dedicated to St. Mary de Pratis. It was founded by the Abbot
of Derley in the reign of Henry II, in the year 1160. The Bishop
of Coventry committed its care to its zealous founder, and granted
him a licence to consecrate the virgins that were received into
it. Henry III. ordered five pounds to be paid every year by the
bailiffs out of the fee-farm of the town of Nottingham, to procure
the prayers of the Prioress and Convent, for the salvation of his
father King John. Henry IV, by charter in the thirteenth year of
his reign, granted to this religious house several acres of land,
in Alsop-in-the-Dale, the Peak­forest, and in Fairfield in the
same forest. It was also possessed of land in Langley and Trusley,
and of several messuages and parcels in Aston-upon-Trent. The mills
anciently situated on the Markeaton-brook, and the green on which
the Nunnery stood, belonged to it. - These, and some other valuable
revenues were estimated at the dissolution at eighteen pounds six
shillings and eight pence a year.

A Priory of Dominican or Black Friars, once stood
on the spot where the mansion and garden of M. Henley, Esq. are
now situated in the Friar­gate. It is thought to have been founded
in very early times; and was dedicated to the blessed Virgin. Three
roods and a half of land were granted to this house in the reign
of Edward I ; and in that of Edward II, in 1296, a patent was obtained
to purchase ten acres more. Nine cottages, eight acres of land,
one meadow, and one croft situated in the parish of St. Werburgh,
were also attached to it. At the dissolution, the revenue of this
priory was estimated at twenty-one pounds, eighteen shillings,
and eight pence; and in the thirty-fifth of Henry VIII, it was
granted to one John Hinde ; from whom, by different purchases,
the scite has descended to the present possessor.

Near the brook on the North of St. James's­lane stood a cell of Cluniac
Monks. It is of Saxon origin, and was founded by Waltheof,
a nobleman of that nation, who was beheaded by William the Conqueror,
in the year 1074. He dedicated it to St. James, and presented
it to the Abbey of Bermondsey in Southwark. - In the wars between
Henry V, and the French, the Priory of St. James was detached
from the Abbey of Cluny in France, to which the whole order was
subject, and afterwards depended upon one of the same order at
Lenton near Nottingham. Though protected as a poor hospital by
Henry III, and considered as an alien Priory by Edward I, at
the suppression, it was taken possession of by Henry, when it
was estimated at the yearly value of ten pounds.

A Maison de Dieu, a hospital for leprous persons, was founded
in Derby as early as the reign of Henry II. This was intended for
the reception of lepers, and superintended by a master.

There was also in Derby an old hospital of royal foundation, consisting
of a master and several leprous brethren, dedicated to St. Leonard.
It is thought, however, by some, that there was but one house for
the reception of lepers, and that these two are the same; but if
there were two, one must have stood at the Newlands, and the other
at St. Mary's Bridge­gate.

St. Mary's was an old building in the Saxon style, situated
upon the verge of the Derwent, and forming a part of the old bridge;
it is thought to have been one of the six churches mentioned in
Domesday[3]. During
the reign of Charles II, the Presbyterians met for the celebration
of divine worship within its wall ; with the exception of that
short period, it had not been used as a church for many ages. In
the days of its prosperity, Heanor constituted a part of its appropriation.

Such were the temples in which the Deity was worshipped three
centuries ago; when it was thought a crime to give full scope to
the social affections of our nature; and a virtue to repress and
annihilate the strongest and most pleasing emotions of the human
heart. We turn, then, with pleasure, to contemplate those structures,
whose walls, so far from resounding with the praises of monkish
seclusion, and the efficacy of perpetual virginity; re-echo the
precepts of that amiable religion, which confirms and encourages
every virtuous feeling of the breast".

Places
of Public Worship in 1811

"Derby contains five churches, the principal
of which is

All Saints ; or as it is found written in old writings Allhallows.
The first mention made of this church, is, in the time of Henry III,
when it is said that there was a church in Derby dedicated to All
Saints. In the succeeding reign, it was made a free chapel of the
king, and with its prebendaries, and other appurtenances was exempted
from all ecclesiastical jurisdiction, excepting that of the Pope
himself: this freedom it still possesses. This church was at that
time collegiate; had a rector, who was the Dean of Lincoln; and seven
collegians, who it is thought resided in a house situated to the
North of the church, which even to this day bears the name of The
College. The college possessed lands, tithes, and other emoluments
in the reign of Henry VIII. to the amount of £38 14s. a year
clear; a sum equal to twenty times as much of our money. Henry, however,
took possession of it all; but Mary, in the first year of her reign,
returned a part of the property, and vested it in the hands of the
corporation, whose gift the curacy now is.
In the reign of Henry VIII. or Mary, the steeple, being in a very
decayed state, was taken down, and the present elegant piece of architecture
built up in its place. This beautiful Gothic tower is the object
of admiration and praise to everyone that sees it. The workmanship
is of a superior kind; and reckoned excellent; it is richly ornamented
with tracery, crockets, pinnacles and battlements; and rising to
the height of 180 feet, it towers above the other churches and houses,
and forms a beautiful and striking object from the surrounding country.
[A verse is omitted]
There is a tradition, that this tower was built at the sole expence
of the bachelors and maidens in the town; and that it was formerly
the custom, when a young woman, a native of the place, was married,
for the bachelors to ring the bells. Upon a fillet on the North-side,
is an inscription, in old English, Young Men and Maids, which
seems to corroborate the tale; but upon the whole, the opinion is
considered to be merely conjectural.
Between this tower, and the body of the church, there exists an uncommon
instance of architectural incongruity; for to this beautiful specimen
of Gothic architecture is added a Grecian body, of the chastest proportions,
and most classical design. It was built from a design by Gibbs, in
the years 1723-4-5; and was opened for public worship on the twenty-first
of November, 1725. The expences of the erection were defrayed by
voluntary subscriptions, which were raised and, directed by Dr. Hutchinson
: of whom Mr. Hutton speaks as follows :- "The curate, Dr. Hutchinson,
not only subscribed £40; but being a man of genteel address,
charged himself with raising the whole money, and executing a masterly
work, without a shining expence to his parish. He was a complete
master of the art of begging. The people to whom he applied were
not able to keep their money; it passed from their pockets to his
own, as if by magic. Wherever he could recollect a person likely
to contribute to this desirable work; he made no scruple to visit
him at his own expence. He took a journey to London, to solicit the
benefaction of Thomas Chambers, Esq; ancestor of the Earl of Exeter,
who gave him one hundred pounds. If a stranger passed through Derby,
the Doctor's bow and his rhetoric were employed in the service of
the church. His anxiety was urgent; and his powers so prevailing,
that he seldom failed of success. When the Waites fiddled at his
door for a Christmas box, instead of sending them away with a solitary
shilling, he invited them in, treated them with a tankard of ale,
and persuaded them out of a guinea. I have seen his list of subscribers,
which are 589; and the sum £3,249 11s. 6d. But it appears,
he could procure a man's name by his eloquence easier than his money;
for 52 of the subscribers never paid their sums, amounting to £137
16s. 6d. The remaining £3,111 15s. being defective, he procured
a brief, which added £598 5s. 6d. more. Still, though assiduity
was not wanting money was; he therefore sold six burying places in
the vault for six guineas; and twelve of the principal seats in the
church, by inch of candle, for £475 13s. which were purchased
as freeholds by the first inhabitants."
The interior of this church is large, light, and elegant; five columns
on each side support the roof; the windows are large and handsome:
and the symmetry and harmonious proportions of the building, have
a pleasing effect. It is divided into two unequal parts, by a rich
open screen-work of iron. The western division is appropriated for
the celebration of public worship, with a spacious organ-gallery,
furnished with a good organ. The eastern division is separated into
three parts: one is used for chosing the Mayor, and for the vestry
business: the centre is an elegant chancel; and the southern side
is the dormitory, and contains the monuments of the Cavendish family;
and many persons of that illustrious house, are buried in the vault
beneath.
[There are then descriptions of the monuments within the church
and also the inscriptions on these memorials. The details are not
included in full here but were erected in the memory of the following:
Elizabeth Countess of Shrewsbury d. 13 Feb 1607[4];
William Earl of Devonshire d. 20 June 1628 and his wife Christiana
- with busts of their four children; Caroline, Countess of Besborough
d. 1760; William Ponsonby, Earl of Besborough, her husband d. 1793;
Rev Michael Hutchinson D.D. d. 10 July 1730[5];
Richard Croshaw, Esq d. 1631 bu. London[6]]
When the church was rebuilt, a tomb-stone was discovered bearing
the date of 1400. It is an alabaster slab, having the figure of a
priest, as large as life, holding a sacramental cup, carved on it
in scroll lines ; and round the edges is the following inscription:Subtus me jacet Johannes Lawe, Quondam Canonicus, Ecclesi Omnia
Sancti Derby, ac subdecanus ejusdem Qui Obiit Anno Dni Millimo CCCmo.
propitiatur Deus. Amen.
This stone is still preserved, and placed in the North aisle of
the church.

St. Alkmund's Church stands at the northern end of the town
[Bridge Gate]; and was erected about the middle of the eight century.
Tradition informs us that Alkmund, son of Alured king of Northumberland,
heading a party to restore his deposed father to the throne, was
unsuccessful, and put to death. He was considered as a saint and
a martyr; and his canonization soon followed. He was interred at
Littleshull in Shropshire; but on its being discovered, that miracles
were wrought at his shrine; his credulous adherents, removed his
remains to a more respectable cemetery. Derby was fixed upon, and
the church of St. Alkmund was honored with his relics and his name
at the same time. The voice of fame and superstition, ranked his
shrine next to that of the holy Becket at Canterbury, in its power
of working miracles; and his tomb was frequently honored with the
presence of many pilgrims from the northern nations.
In very early times, this church was presented to the abbey of Derley
: to which it was subject till the dissolution, when it was seized
by Henry. In the following reign, Mary[1] made
it over to the Corporation of Derby, who, ever since, have had the
presentation. In the king's books, St. Alkmund is represented as
a vicarage of the value of £11 6s. 8d.[7] and
since the year 1734, it has enjoyed an endowment of sixty pounds
a year; bequeathed by an old bachelor, of the name of Goodwin, who
was descended from an ancient family in the town of Derby.
The steeple contains six bells: and the building has a number of
rude heads, and other sculptures designed for ornaments, in different
parts. In the parish are included, Chester, Derley, Quarndon and
Little Eaton; and the last two have chapels of ease.

The church of St. Peter is situated near the southern
extremity of the town [St Peter Street] and is thought to be the
same as the one mentioned in the time of King Stephen[1],
dedicated to the same apostle. In 1530 a chapel was founded by
Robert Liversage, a dyer, of Derby; he endowed it for the continued
support of a priest who was to celebrate divine worship, and say
mass every Friday; and afterwards he was to distribute thirteen
silver pence, to thirteen poor men or women, who might then be
present. In this church was also a chancery founded in honour of
the Virgin Mary. It was endowed with various messuages, cottages,
gardens, lands, tenements, meadows, and hereditaments, which were
granted by queen Mary to the Corporation of Derby. The living is
a vicarage; and when Derley abbey was dissolved, the advowson was
granted to the Corporation. The steeple contains six bells; and
the villages of Normanton, Bolton, and Litchurch, belong to this
parish.

St. Werburgh's[8] is
situated on the western side of the town, upon the Markeaton
brook [Friargate]. This church was, also, given in the reign of
Stephen to the abbey of Derley; but at the dissolution it was recovered,
and the vicarage is now in the hands of the king. It is probable,
that the ancient church on this spot, was built before the conquest;
but being situated so near the Markeaton-brook, its foundation
was sapped by floods, and in 1601 the tower fell to the ground.
To prevent the recurrence of a like accident, a new one was built
on the East-side of the body of the church, contrary to the situation
of steeples in general: but this, like the former, fell on the
fifth of November, 1698. The present steeple has five bells, and
the interior of the church, is light and handsome. There was a
chantery to the blessed Mary in this church also; which was endowed
with various messuages, gardens, cottages, and lands; which in
the reign of Mary, were in the tenure and occupation of ten different
persons, and by her were granted to the Corporation of Derby. Osmaston
is part of the parish.

St. Michael's church stands in Queen-street, at no
great distance from from that of St. Alkmund's. It belonged to
the Abbey of Derley, and was taken possession of by Henry at the
dissolution; but Mary[1] gave
it to the bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Derby. The living
is a vicarage; being united with St Werburgh's, and has a service
once a month. The village of Alveston belongs to this parish.

Beside the above mentioned churches, there are several other
places of public worship in the town of Derby.

The Unitarians have a meeting house in Friar-gate. This
is a very old interest:- as early as the reign of Elizabeth,
they had their private paces of assembling ; and in the reign
of king Charles II. they obtained a licence, for celebrating
divine worship, in the old chapel standing on St. Mary's Bridge.
In the reign of James II they left the old chapel and removed
to a large room near the Market-place. Thee they continued to
assemble till the erection of the present meeting-house, in reign
of King William[1].

The Independents, or Calvinists, have a place of
worship near the Brook-side. This chapel was erected in the year
1785, by persons who had seceded from the congregation in Friar-gate,
owing to a difference of opinion on religious doctrines.

The Baptists (both General and Perpendicular),
the Quakers and the Methodists have chapels".

Charities in 1811

"One of the most considerable charities
in Derby is the Devonshire Alms-houses, situated near All
Saints; and founded by the famous Countess of Shrewsbury in the
reign of queen Elizabeth, for eight men and four women. To each
is granted two rooms, a sufficiency of coal, and half-a-crown a
week. They are clad in dark cloathes, badged with E. S. (Elizabeth
Shrewsbury) on a silver plate. The original building, which
was of stone, was taken down about forty years since, and the present
edifice erected from an original plan, at the expence of the Duke
of Devonshire. The design of the front is unlike the style of architecture
which generally characterizes establishments of charity; and would
lead us to suppose, that it was the entrance to a nobleman's park,
or pleasure-ground. The rules for the observance of the inmates
are ; -"that they are not to marry or get drunk, without expulsion;
to lie one night out incurs a forfeiture of four-pence : if absent
one day, six-pence ; to miss prayers at All­Saints two-pence; to
strike a blow one shilling; and if three blows, a discharge."

In Bridge-gate there are eight alms-houses, for an equal number
of poor and aged of both sexes. They are called the Black
Alms-houses, from the black gowns worn by the inhabitants,
who receive eighteen-pence a week each. This foundation was laid
by the family of Wilmot of Chaddesden, near 300 years ago; who
ordered £40 a year, to be paid from the tithes of Denby,
for its support.

Another alms-house for the widows of clergymen, is situated at
the top of Friar-gate; and was instituted in the year 1716, by
Edward Large of Derby, who endowed it with an estate, which produces
£17 a year each, to the five residents.

A fourth charity of this class, called The
Grey-coat Hospital,
from the colour of the dress, once stood in Walker's-lane. It was
supported by ample endowments; but the estate has vanished, and
the building converted to other purposes.

For the education of the children of the poor, there is a Free-School in
St. Peter's churchyard. It was originally erected by the Corporation
of Derby, with a part of the donations belonging to the abbey of
Derley, which had been presented to them by Mary. It is endowed
with lands, set apart for its use; the receipts of which now support
two masters. Several Sunday Schools have, likewise, been recently
established in the town".

The Principal Buildings
in 1811

"The principal buildings in Derby, besides the
churches and meeting-houses, are a County and Town Hall, a County
Gaol, an elegant Assembly Room, and a Theatre.

The County Hall is situated at the bottom of St. Mary's-gate:
it was erected in the year 1660; and is a large and heavy building
of free-stone. The Town Hall is a handsome structure, built
by the Corporation, about the year 1731, on the scite of a more
ancient one of wood and plaister, on the South-east side of the
Market-place.

The County Gaol is situated on the western-side of the
town near the upper-end of Friar-gate. It was erected in the year
1756, at the expence of the Corporation, aided by a donation of
£400, presented by the Duke of Devonshire. It is a solid, plain,
and respectable building of brick, well adapted for the purpose
of its destination. The front, is from an excellent design, displaying
solidity and strength; without that affectation of incongruous
ornament, so frequently exhibited in modern buildings of a similar
character.

The Assembly Room, is an elegant building of stone, situated
on the North-side of the Market-place. Its foundation was laid
in the year 1763, and completed, by subscription, in 1774. To this,
also, the Duke of Devonshire, with most of the nobility and gentry
of the county, was a very liberal contributor. A variety of musical
instruments are sculptured on the pediment, figurative of the design
of the building.

The Theatre, a neat building of brick, stands in Bold-lane, and
was erected in the year 1773, at the expence of Mr. James Whitley.
- The interior is plain and commodious".

[In a different part of the book the following equally important
buildings are described:]

"The Derbyshire
General Infirmary, is situated a little way out of the town,
on the southern side, near the road leading to London.­ The ground
on which it stands; was purchased of the Corporation of Derby,
at the price of £200 per acre: and
to prevent in future the too near approach of offensive objects,
the committee have secured, for the exclusive use of the institution,
above fourteen acres of the surrounding land. The healthfulness
of the situation has likewise been very particularly attended to
:- it is elevated, airy, and dry, abounding with excellent water,
and accessible by a good road. The design of the building was arranged
by Wm. Strutt, Esq. according to which, working plans were drawn
by Mr. Browne, who also superintended the construction of a model,
executed with architectural skill and ingenuity. The building is
constructed of a beautiful, hard, and durable whitish stone; of
a cubical form, with an elevation handsome, yet simple and unornamented;
containing a light central hall with a double staircase. It is
three stories high, and universally admired as well on account
of the numerous conveniences it contains, as for its elegant simplicity.
On a close inspection, the workmanship is found to be excellent;
and the stability such, that in the whole building, there does
not appear to be the slightest shake or crack. The iron
dome, the wide stone gallery, and the very large stone staircase,
resting upon the perforated floor of the hall, which covers part
of the basement story, excite admiration; because, being the parts
most difficult of execution, they appear nevertheless to possess
the most perfect strength and solidity.
The committee, before the erection began, directed their attention
to the means of obtaining the best plan; and in order to form a
correct judgment on the subject, endeavored to learn from the experience
of similar establishments, what were the principal objects to be
kept in view in the construction of an edifice of this nature.
The result of their enquiries, suggested several improvements,
which have been carried into execution; and which have brought
this Infirmary to a degree of perfection unknown to similar establishments.
[There then follows a description of the interior, not included]
The magnitude of the building, is equal to the accommodation of
eighty patients, besides those with infectious diseases. This is
doubtless greater number, than are likely at, present to want relief
at any one time; but considering the increasing population of
the county and town, it cannot be considered as too large.
The original estimate of the building was £10,500; but owing to
some large expences, having been incurred which were not estimated,
and other parts of the Institution being finished, which it was
intended to defer to some future time, the expence of the erection
very much exceeded the estimate. By the report of the committee,
dated the 1st of June, 1809, it appears, that the expenditure,
for land purchased and building the Infirmary, &c. amounted
to £17,870 3s. 4d. From the same paper it also appears, that
the donations, received by the treasurers for the institution,
amount with their interest to £31,238 19s. 0d. so that the
balance lodged in the different funds, &c. constituting the
funds of the Infirmary, amount to £13,368 15s. 8d.
Three Physicians, four Surgeons, and a house Apothecary, have been
appointed to the Institution. The Infirmary was opened for the
reception of In, and the relief of Out-patients, on the 4th of
June, 1810.

Not far from the Infirmary, and about the same distance from the
town, is the Ordnance Depot. The ground on which this building
stands, being an acre and a quarter, was purchased for the purpose
by the Board of Ordnance in the year 1803. The respective buildings,
erected according to a plan by Mr. Wyatt, the Architect, were compleated
in 1805. These consist of an Armory in the centre; the room on
the ground-floor, being seventy-five feet long by twenty-five broad,
is calculated to contain fifteen thousand stand of arms; these
are disposed here in the same order as those are in the Tower of
London, and present a very pleasing appearance, on the entrance
to the room.­ Above this is a room of the same proportions, containing
accoutrements for the use of the army. On the North and South sides
of the armory, are two magazines, capable of containing 1200 barrels
of ammunition. These are internally arched with brick, to prevent
accidents; and, for the same purpose, conductors have been erected
at a little distance from each. Four dwellings are situated in
the angles of the exterior wall; two of which are Barracks for
a detachment of Royal Artillery, and the other two, are the residence
of Officers in the Civil Department of the Ordnance.-
Besides these buildings, suitable workshops, &c. have been
erected on the inside of the surrounding wall. The establishment
is under the superintendance of an Ordnance Storekeeper, who is
appointed by the Master-General of the Ordnance".

Trades of Derby

"Concerning the Trade of Derby, old
authors are nearly silent. It is thought that the oldest carried
on in the town was that of a dyer: and to corroborate this
opinion, reference is made to the privilege enjoyed by the inhabitants
in the reign of Edward III[1],
and to the name of Full-street, which is said to have been
the residence of the professors of that art. It is certain, however,
that Wool was among the articles of its most early commerce
:- this was brought from the beautiful sheep-walks of the Peak,
and retailed in the neigbourhood. Malt was another article,
for which Derby was famed.­ "The reputation of Derby," says
Camden, " at present proceeds from the assizes for the county
being held there, and from the excellent good ale brewed in
it."

Trade was confined to these articles until the commencement of
the eighteenth century; when the stocking-frame machine,
said to have been invented by a clergyman of Calverton, near Nottingham,
in the reign of James I, was introduced into the town. This was
a considerable addition to the commercial interests of the place;
but what gave it a pre-eminence in this respect, was the erection
of the first mill in this country for the manufacture of silk.

"The original mill, called the Silk mill to denote
its pre-eminence, being the first and largest of its kind ever
erected in England, stands upon an island in the river Derwent[9].
Its history is remarkable, as it denotes the power of genius, and
the vast influence which even the enterprises of an individual
has on the commerce of a country.

"The Italians were long in the exclusive possession of the
art of silk throwing, and the merchants of other nations were
consequently dependent on that people for their participation in
a very lucrative article of trade, and were frequently deprived
of their fair profits by exorbitant prices charged for the original
material. This state of things continued till the commencement
of the last century, when a person named Crotchet erected a small
mill near the present works, with an intention of introducing the
silk manufacture into England; but his machinery being inadequate
to the purpose, he quickly became insolvent, and the design was
for some time abandoned. At length, about the year 1715, a similar
idea began to expand in the mind of an excellent mechanic and draughtsman,
named John Lombe, who, though young, resolved on the perilous task
of travelling into Italy, to procure drawings, or models of the
machines necessary for the undertaking.

"In Italy he remained some time ; but, as admission to the
silk-works was prohibited, he could only obtain access by corrupting
two of the workmen, through whose assistance he inspected the machinery
in private; and whatever parts he obtained a knowledge of, during
these visits, he recorded on paper before he slept. By perserverance
in this mode of conduct, he made himself acquainted with the whole,
and had just completed his plan, when his intention was discovered,
and his life being in extreme hazard, he flew with precipitation,
and took refuge on ship-board. The two Italians who had favoured
his scheme, and whose lives were in equal danger with his own,
accompanied him, and they all soon landed in safety, in England
; this happened about the year 1717.

"Fixing on Derby as a proper place for his purpose, he agreed
with the corporation for an island or swamp, in the river, 500
feet long, and 52 wide, at a rent somewhat below eight pounds yearly.
Here he established his silk-mill but during the time employed
in its construction, he erected temporary machines in the Town-Hall,
and various other places; by which means he not only reduced the
prices of silk far below the Italians, but was likewise enabled
to proceed with his greater undertaking, through the charges amounted
to nearly £30,000.
[There follows a description of Lombe's death, possibly by poisoning,
and the demise of other members of his family]
On the 20th of February, 1739 the lease was assigned from Lady
Lombe to Richard Wilson, Esq. and in July following the agreement
was completed, and the property transferred to the latter; for
a sum not exceeding £4000. The premises have been occupied
many years by Mr. - Swift, who has made various important additions
to the machinery, and employs about 240 hands, (principally women
and children). ...

Besides this mill, there are several other works of a similar
nature, now established in Derby. The situation of the town on
the banks of the Derwent renders it favorable for the institution
and carrying on, of manufactures which require the aid of water
; and the improvements in mechanism are nowhere more obvious than
in the various and extensive works constructed here, for a variety
of purposes. The mills established by the Messrs. Strutts, for
the manufacture of silk and cotton, are particularly ingenious
; and the facility attained by them in working the several articles
of manufacture, has contributed to the extension of these branches
of business in a very eminent degree[9].

The Porcelain Manufactory was established about the year 1750,
by a gentleman of the name of Duesbury. Since the decease of the
original institutor, very great improvements have been made, in
the preparation of the materials, and in the appearance of the
ware. It is thought to be equal in fineness of texture with the
French and Saxon, while it far surpasses them in workmanship, and
elegance. - The paintings are in general rich and well executed;
and the gilding and burnishing very beautiful.

The materials from which the ware, called porcelain, is manufactured,
is procured from Cornwall; and is a fine grey clay, mixed with
fluxing matter.
[Descriptions of how the porcelain is made are not included]
The manufactory belongs at present to Messrs. Duesbury and Key;
who employ about 200 workmen.

The manufactory of Messrs. Brown and Son, situated at the upper-end
of Bridge-gate, for sawing and polishing marble, and forming the
fluor spar, or Blue John, into a great variety of ornaments, is
well worthy notice. The machinery employed here, which is novel
and simple, but very ingenious, is set in motion by a large steam
engine. The machinery for sawing and polishing the marble, consists
of a set of saws, made of thin plates of iron inclosed in a sliding
frame, attached to the vibrating poles to which the cranks are
fixed. These saws, by the assistance of sand and water; cut the
marble in a perpendicular direction, A set of saws consists of
many plates, so that the block to which they are applied, may be
separated by one process into as many slabs as may be thought necessary.
When the slabs are sawn, they are taken to be polished by an equally
ingenious method.

"When the Blue John is to be made into a vase, or
any other ornamental form, that renders the use of the lathe necessary,
it is carved with a mallet and chissel, into a rude resemblance
of the object intended to be produced, and being afterwards strongly
cemented to a plug or chock, is screwed upon the lathe.
A slow motion is then given to the work; and a bar of steel about
two feet long, and half an inch square, properly tempered, and
pointed at each end, is applied to the fluor, on which water is
continually dropping, to keep the tool cold, preserve it from friction,
and enable it more readily to reduce the substance upon which it
acts. As the surface becomes smoother, the tool is applied with
more freedom, and the motion of the lathe accelerated, till the
fluor has assumed its destined elegance. of form. When the turning
is completed, pieces of gritstone, of different degrees of fineness,
are applied with water to bring the article to a proper ground
for polishing with fine emery, tripoli, and putty, or calx of tin.
These means are continued till the fluor is incapable of receiving
a higher degree of polish , which is known, when water thrown on
it will no longer increase its lustre."

The manufacture of stockings, as before noticed, has long been
introduced and pursued at Derby ; and no where since the invention
of the stocking-frame, has that business received so important
an improvement as in this town. About the year 1756, Messrs. Jedediah
Strutt and William Woollatt obtained a patent for making ribbed
stockings. A common workman of the name of Roper, had furnished
a rude and imperfect idea, of this useful machine; but it was left
to the labor and ingenuity of the patentees, to bring it to perfection.
The machine is prefixed to the stocking-frame, and in connection
with it produces ribbed stockings, similar to those knit with the
knitting needles. At present, the manufacture of silk and cotton
hose employs a great many hands in the town.

The business of the lapidary and jeweller, commenced about the
same time as that of the porcelain; and for some time was a business
of some magnitude. The articles, manufactured here, which are chiefly
of the paste kind, are thought to be executed with great elegance
a nd ingenuity. But, upon the whole, it is supposed, that the trade
is, at present, on the decline.

Besides the above mentioned manufactures, several others are carried
on to a considerable extent. There is a small bleaching-mill situated
on Nun's-green, where the processes are performed, according to
their proved chemical methods: and to aid its operations, a small
steam-engine has been, erected. A mill for slitting and rolling
iron, for various purposes; a large furnace for smelting copper
ore, with a a machine for battering and rolling the copper into
sheets :-a red-lead mill; a mill for making tinned plates; and
an extensive shot-mill; are to be found in the town, or in its
immediate vicinity".

Derby in 1811

"Derby has rapidly increased within the
last few years, in size and population; and is still increasing
in wealth and commerce. Fresh ground is continually broken-up,
and houses are erected in every direction. The population at present,
is thought to amount to about 13,000. Among the more modern improvements
in the place, may be mentioned, the lighting, and paving the streets,
and the removal of those obstructions, which prevented a, free
passage. These beneficial purposes were effected under the clauses
of an act, passed in 1792, appointing commissioners, with power
to levy a small rate on the inhabitants; and also to sell all the
common land called Nun's-green : and the Sums thus produced to
be applied to defray the necessary expences.

Several of the old bridges, which were built across the Markeaton
- brook, which flows through a considerable part of the town, have
been taken down, and new ones of stone erected, by a general subscription.
An elegant bridge of three arches has also been-thrown over the
Derwent, on the North-east side of the town, to the road leading
to Nottingham: which, together with the silk-mill, the wears, and
the broad expanse of the river, forms a very pleasing prospect,
on entering the town from that side.

There are a variety of very pleasing walks in the vicinity of
Derby. Following the banks of the Derwent in a northern direction,
the vale presents some very picturesque scenes; while the summits
of the hills of the Low-Peak, form the distant boundary of the
horizon. - The walk through the grove to Darley, and that on the
eastern side of the river to Little­Chester, independently of the
objects of curiosity which may be traced in the latter, are highly
delightful and agreeable. And, indeed, in almost every direction,
the inhabitants may find scenes, where they may enjoy a healthful
exercise, as as well as, gratify the sight by a succession of prospects,
distinguished by the softer features that attend cultivation".

[3] Davies wrote in a page footnote
that: "The churches mentioned there are ;-"In the borough
there was in the demesne, one church with seven clerks, who held
two carucates of land free in Cestre (Little Chester).
And there was also another church of the King's, in which six
clerks held nine oxgangs of land in Cornun and Detton,
likewise free." "In Derbii (Derby) Geoffry Alselin
has one church, which Tochi had. Ralph the son of Hubert, one
church, which was Leuric's, with one carucate of land. Norman
de Lincoln one church, which was Brun's, Edric has one church
there, which was his father Coln's." [Davies
provides the source as Orig.280, a 2.] "

[4] The Countess of Shrewsbury is perhaps
better known as Bess of Hardwick. This monument, which bears
the names of her father, four husbands and family, was constructed
during her lifetime and under her direction.

[5] Hutchinson raised money for rebuilding
the church.

[6] Croshaw was said to have been the son of a poor nailer,
who made his fortune in London. He was Master of the Company of
Goldsmiths.

[7] Davies added a footnote, observing that
this must have been a mistake, because in reign of King George I
the income was only £8 p.a. and divine service was performed
but once a quarter.

[8] St. Werburgh was an abbess who died about
700 A.D. She was one of the early English royal abbesses, the daughter
of King Wufhere of Mercia and St. Ermenilda and this is one of twelve
English churches dedicated to her: References to her may be found
in:
- "The Penguin Dictionary of Saints", Donald Attwater
(1965)
- "Oxford Dictionary of Saints", David Hugh Farmer,
2nd ed (1987)
There is/was another church dedicated to St. Werburgh in Derbyshire
(See Spondon).

[9] For more about the Mills, read "The
Derwent Valley Mills and their Communities" Details
are on site